Image courtesy of Alan Levine.
Austin’s craft brewery scene has taken flight over the last few years, due in no small part to brewers tackling ridiculous and outdated TABC regulations, starting the slow grind of turning things around in our state. I remember when I moved here the only local/Texan craft beer was Shiner and Celis (when Pierre Celis was owner/brewer). Those lean years are behind us, so why not celebrate the season with craft beer? Here are a few of my ideas for holiday gift giving, and buying local:
- Independence Brewing’s oh so very Austin-y, tie dyed White Rabbit tee shirt, ($20.00).
- Two tickets to (512) Brewing’s weekly brewery tour nets you a logo pint glass, generous sampling, and a tour that shows the passion behind their fantastic brews, ($20.00).
- Live Oak Pilz trucker hat, ($30.00).
- Hops & Grain’s Liberty Bottle, an American-made, 100% recycled metal 32oz bottle with their distinctive logo makes for one find drinking container, ($25.00).
- I love the Twisted X tee shirt admonishing “Always drink upstream from the herd,” ($20.00).
- Nothing screams “True Texan!” more than a big belt buckle, something Austin Beerworks understands. Their 3D pewter logo belt buckle is perfect for your craft beer country boy or girl. [Note: I couldn’t get a direct link to the buckle, so please scroll down the page to the “other merchandise” section to find it.]
- The ultimate craft beer gift is a membership in Black Star Co-op, ($150.00 for a single membership, $300.00 for “two people who share a mailing address”).
